Cardiff Castle is preparing to stage a celebration of its Victorian legacy at its grounds this weekend, commemorating its strong ties to the era that gave birth to some of its most recognised features today.

Many will be unaware, but before the middle of the 19th century, the iconic clock tower and sumptuous interiors were yet to be built.

So how was it transformed into the building we see today? The tale centres around a teenage aristocrat and a brilliant architect.

Wales' very own Victorian Camelot

Cardiff Castle has undergone many changes in its near-2,000-year history.

But one of its most dramatic updates in recent times was during the 19th century at the hands of two of the city's most famous Victorians - Lord Bute and art architect William Burges.

Together they created Wales' very own Victorian Camelot, turning an already impressive castle into the incredible monument we see today.

The clock tower, pictured on the left

Their legacy would involve the building of an iconic clock tower and fairy tale towers, as well as decorating the interiors with elaborate and lavish decoration.

Their joint vision created a feudal extravaganza of painted murals, stained glass, gilding and sculpture, all set within the framework of a Norman Castle-turned-mansion.

Commission of a lifetime

The Bute family first rebuilt the mansion in the 1770s, but it was in 1865 when architect William Burges met his most important client, the third Marquess of Bute.

Lord Bute was only 18 and Burges 20 years older, but it was truly a meeting of minds.

Both men were intelligent, imaginative and fascinated by the world of the Middle Ages.

Banqueting Hall

One of the ornate features in the Banqueting Hall

Lord Bute was only a baby when he inherited his father’s fortune accrued through mineral rights and the building of the docks in Cardiff.

Scholarly, devout and mystical, he was one of the most fascinating men of his generation, whose tastes were for the world of the past, not the industrial world that produced his wealth.

For William Burges it was the commission of a lifetime.

Lord Bute's bedroom

The concept of completely restoring a medieval castle was irresistible and his initial ideas included the building of the clock tower overlooking the main road of the town.

Following this success, Burges began the re-building of the entire house and over 16 years, a series of towers rose above the old house.

Work to the interiors was painstaking, and ideas for the designs were discussed in detail through drawings and models.

The Butes travelled extensively and would seek out new ideas for the castle decoration, including the gilded ceiling of the Arab Room or the Roman style of the roof garden inspired by discoveries at Pompeii.

Dining Room at Cardiff Castle

One of the incredible decorated ceilings

The re-building of the castle caused a burst of creativity as Bute and Burges surrounded themselves with artists and craftsmen who could make their dreams a reality.

In Cardiff Docks, a talented group of woodcarvers and joiners gathered to form the 'Bute workshops', which produced exquisite carvings throughout the castle.

But the castle was also a family home. Lord and Lady Bute had four children who enjoyed spending time there.

The luxury nursery

Mornings were spent in the day nursery, which was one of Burges’ most delightful creations with tiled decorations illustrating heroes and heroines from children’s literature.

Lord Bute died in 1900 just as the Victorian era was drawing to a close. Cardiff Castle remains as a remarkable illustration of the imagination and creativity of this period.

Travel back to the times of Queen Victoria

The castle will take visitors back to the time of Queen Victoria

Cardiff castle celebrates the extraordinary legacy of the Victorians in a special weekend event on Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21.

The showcase will see Queen Victoria making an appearance and, for an authentic flavour of these times, the Ragged Victorians will recreate the lives of the ‘great unwashed’.

This award-winning living history group will bring to life the hardships for the working classes as they attempted to eke out a livelihood.

Story-telling, cookery demonstrations and the chance to re-visit the spectacular lavish rooms on a guided tour will bring this important episode in the castle’s history to life.